Westquay, Southampton
Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty of Hampshire events to enjoy across the county in every season.
From city celebrations and outdoor festivals to family attractions and seasonal events, Hampshire offers an exciting calendar of events throughout 2026. This autumn in Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with the return of the colourful International Kite Festival filling the skies above Southsea Common (F) 12 - 13 September, whilst in November, We Shine returns, with light illuminations and displays from 19 - 21 November (F). In Winchester, its the fantastic annual torchlight procession and fireworks display that is a must for the diary, (7 November) filling the streets of this historic town with families, friends, visitors and residents alike, whilst in Basingstoke there's a whole host of spooktacular free family-fun this October half term in the town centre.
Don't miss the chance to enjoy the thrilling Go Ape experience by night this autumn at Itchen Valley Park, Southampton (16 October - 8 November), or miss the UK's biggest Oktoberfest at Southampton Guildhall Square, with music, Bavarian food and a themed marquee (23 - 24 October). Pick up a new autumn wardrode with a visit to John Lewis at WestQuay, or join their upcoming home design talk for some great ideas to refresh your decor (16 October) - a great all-weather day out. Enjoy the changing of the season with the Jane Austen circular walk, a four and half mile trail that starts from Jane Austen's House and explores some of East Hampshire's beautiful countryside.
From scenic coastlines and vibrant events to cosy villages, walking trails and excellent places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal destination for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 summer adventure today and discover some of the county's top events, attractions and experiences.
Grab your calendar and take a look at what's happening in Hampshire over the coming months with our featured events list or scroll to the bottom and discover hundreds of events happening today, this weekend and across this year. From coastal festivals and city celebrations to countryside walks, food experiences and family attractions, Hampshire offers one of the most varied events calendars in South East England.
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You can find a wide range of events taking place across Hampshire today and this weekend, including theatre shows, interactive workshops, wildlife experiences and outdoor events in the Hampshire countryside. Use the date filters above, or browse the listings to find lots of inspiration and ideas for something happening near you. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (Free) taking place.
If you're travelling from outside the county for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs. Search Hampshire accommodation to plan your stay, whether your choose the coastal city of Portsmouth or Southampton, Winchester - the ancient capital of England - or a more rural stay in Chawton or Alton, East Hampshire.
Yes, Hampshire hosts a wide range of family-friendly events throughout the year, from nature trails, outdoor festivals, science fairs and interactive school holiday activities. Use the 'type filter' in the search box above and choose family to find suitable events. During the summer holidays and key seasonal periods, you'll find even more events designed for children and families, with activities suitable for all ages.
Yes. South Western Railway connects more than 50 stations across Hampshire with London Waterloo, Vauxhall and Clapham Junction making a day trip or weekend break easy from London. Book your rail tickets and enjoy your next event in Hampshire.
The guide below shows our full calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for what's on this weekend or planning further ahead, you'll find plenty of inspiration. If you're local or visiting Hampshire for the first time, use the 'Map View' button to discover events happening near you.
Some of the events below take place on the Isle of Wight, which is easily accessible by ferry or hovercraft from Portsmouth or Lymington.
Number of results: 155
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Festival
Southsea
The annual Southsea Food Festival is back for 2025!
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Smart on Sunday 8 November 2026.
All Smart owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu to park up in the museum grounds, for a day out that owners and enthusiasts will enjoy. The event is set to…
Christmas
23 Harbour Parade, Southampton
Ready to wow your guests this year with the ultimate Christmas tree? Join the John Lewis Southampton Home Design Stylists at WestQuay for an exclusive Christmas tree masterclass.
Special Events
Whitchurch
Celebrating Heritage Crafts, Creativity and the Colours of Autumn. Over three days, the historic Mill will be transformed with seasonal displays, harvest-inspired decorations and showcases of traditional craftsmanship.
Halloween
Havenstreet
Step into a world of witches, wizards and Halloween characters as the Isle of Wight Steam railway comes alive with themed displays, live performances and interactive activities. Explore the decorated station, enjoy family-friendly entertainment and…
Film
Winchester
Are you ready for a completely unique cinema experience at Winchester Science Centre? Grab a seat, sit back and relax as one of Hollywood's biggest Halloween blockbusters, Hocus Pocus (PG), plays out under the stars of the Planetarium.
Christmas
Sandown
Celebrate the festive season at Wildheart Wonderland, a magical Christmas experience at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary on the Isle of Wight. On Friday 4 and Saturday 5 December 2026, the sanctuary will open after dark and transform into an…
Festival
Portsmouth
Portsmouth Comic Con returns to the Guildhall for 2027 presenting the best in comic, film, TV and pop culture entertainment - a fantastic family-friendly day in Portsmouth, Hampshire.
Exhibitions
Chawton
Step into the glittering world of Georgian evenings and discover what made a truly magical night out in Hampshire with the new Chawton House exhibition: Dressing Up: Fashion and Nightlife in Eighteenth-Century Hampshire.
Carnival
Ventnor
Ventnor Lantern Parade and Carnival lights up the Isle of Wight with a magical procession of illuminated lanterns, decorated floats and costumed performers. This family-friendly community celebration transforms the streets of Ventnor into a…
Food
Winchester
Join us at Winchester Royal Hotel for a delightful afternoon of sipping tea, eating delicious food inspired by Jane Austen's time
Childrens Events
Farnham
Head to Birdworld in Surrey this October half term for a fun-filled Professor Peck's Theatre Show mixed with Ground Hornbills, Chilean Flamingo, Snowy Owls, a dinosaur trail, indoor play barn, outdoor treetop adventure park. A great family day out…
Festival
Southampton
Get ready for Oktoberfest - a weekend of Bavarian fun in the heart of Southampton. Head to Southampton's Guildhall Square this October for a night of laughter, merriment, and the true spirit of Bavaria. Prost!
Halloween
Brockenhurst
We've put a spooky twist on our archery sessions for October, with ghosts, ghouls, zombies and werewolves acting as your new targets. Then it's onto the pumpkin shooting round where your little monsters will get to decorate their pumpkins before…
Talks
23 Harbour Parade, Southampton
Calling all parents-to-be. Join the Nursery team and local experts at John Lewis Southampton to learn about this new stage of your life and our All Things Baby service, covering everything you need to know for the arrival of your child.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Saturday September 26, October 3, October 10, October 17 and October 24
Doors open 5:30pm | Flying display commences 7pm
This autumn, venture out into the night with the beautiful owls at the Hawk Conservancy Trust. Experience the mystical owls'…
Childrens Events
New Forest
Step into a world of autumnal magic and treasured memories this October half-term at Beaulieu.
Fireworks
Southampton
Make it a night to remember at Utilita Bowl’s fireworks, which returns to the venue on Friday 6th November!
Food
Whitchurch
Enjoy an afternoon at Bombay Sapphire Distillery, with an upgrade to add a Bombay Sapphire gin cocktail.
Free Event
Portsmouth
Portsmouth Pride returns to Southsea on 12 June 2027, with live entertainment, great music and a welcoming atmosphere on Castle Field.
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